Midterm Elections and the Rise of Democratic Socialism

With midterm elections on the horizon, interest in democratic socialism is mounting as a viable alternative to the established American political framework. Recently, various officials from Seattle, Colorado, and New York City—to name a few—have self-identified as democratic socialists. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has seen a surge in membership, and a recent CNN poll indicated that about one-third of Democrats resonate with the values of this movement.

It’s crucial for all Americans to grasp the objectives of the DSA and the promises echoed during campaign rallies; their ultimate aim is a thorough transformation of the U.S. Constitution and the laws that have upheld our freedoms for more than two centuries.

This isn’t merely an abstract critique of our economic system—it poses a significant risk to the foundation of our republic. Historically and in present contexts, socialism often emphasizes collective authority over individual rights, positioning the state as the arbiter of what serves the societal good—often at the expense of personal freedoms.

Typically, totalitarian regimes resist acknowledging any power greater than the government itself. This is why socialist regimes tend to see religious expression as a potential threat, aiming to eliminate it among the first freedoms. This expectation was reflected in comments made by Virginia’s Senator Tim Kaine during a 2025 hearing, where he lamented the idea that rights could exist independently of government, describing it as “extremely troubling.” Yet, this perspective stands in stark contrast to the principles set by our founders.

The Declaration of Independence asserts that “all men are created equal” and are granted certain unalienable rights through their Creator, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This wording isn’t just decorative; it sets boundaries on government authority. If rights are bestowed by government, then they can also be revoked or altered. Conversely, if rights exist prior to the establishment of government, that government is compelled to uphold them.

Religious liberty, being the very first right enshrined in the Bill of Rights, exemplifies this point. Strip away the right to individual conscience, and all other freedoms fall away. In response, DSA members may reference their Religion and Socialism Working Group, claiming outreach to faith communities. However, this inclusivity only seems to extend to those whose beliefs align with DSA’s ideology, resembling a government-sanctioned faith system that dismisses dissenting spiritual perspectives.

Reflecting on historical socialism, there’s a pattern where dissenting views are systematically silenced. In the former Soviet Union, for instance, religious organizations were strictly regulated, and many religious figures faced imprisonment while church activities were severely limited. Socialism’s control over ideas and movements is often a precursor to overriding religious liberties.

In its current agenda, the DSA has set clear goals that suggest radical changes: promoting worker control of the government and dismantling established systems of governance, such as replacing the President and Supreme Court with entities that are subordinate to Congress. Such a vision threatens to forgo the constitutional balance meant to protect citizens’ rights across the board.

Religious liberty is integral to a nation that values personal freedom. It stipulates how citizens interact with government and restrains governmental power over them, safeguarding freedom of thought and expression. Without the foundation of religious liberty, other rights like free speech or the right to assemble lose their meaning.

In summary, a push for a “new society” that disregards the crucial right of religious freedom resembles a regression into a troubling historical narrative. Instead, what we really require is a renewed commitment to understanding and valuing the rights outlined in our foundational documents—principles that have established our identity as the “land of the free.”